Croydon West Primary School is characterised by a clear understanding that the core business of the school is learning; learning to think, learning to be good citizens, learning to value beauty and kindness, learning to be literate and numerate, learning to respect and be respected. We believe that learning is a journey, not a race; we all make that journey in our own way but, given support and timely intervention, we make that journey all the same. We teach children skills and understandings necessary to enable lifelong learning in a constantly changing world. We understand the need to employ contemporary practices which are flexible enough to take account of the changes continuously occurring outside the schoolgate. We also know that learning requires tenacity and rigour, and to be enjoyable. Our school is rated as having a 'mid-high' socio-economic rating reflecting the formal education of our parents. 32% of our families receive the Educational Maintenance Allowance. The general level of parent satisfaction is within the middle 60% of Victorian government schools. In 2010 the average level of Staff satisfaction, usually very positive, lies just within the middle 60% band, possibly reflecting changes implemented by the school leadership in the pursuit of continued academic growth. Each of our teachers meet the registration requirements of the Victorian Institute of Teaching. We have a staffing alloation of a Principal, 8.6 teachers, including a Learning Coach, and 3 Support Staff (EFT). We have 142 wonderful students, and lots of dedicated parent helpers!